October 19-25 Events
Week 3: OVI Opera Movie Club Night- October 23, 8:00 PM CST/9:00 PM EST
A one hour “book club like” Zoom meeting to discuss Bellini’s beautiful La Sonnambula.
Join us for Bellini’s dreamy La Sonnambula (The Sleepwalker)—a tale of love, mistaken jealousy, and one unforgettable case of sleepwalking!
First, view the Met Opera HD Film version on October 18 at participating theatres—invite your opera-loving friends to go with you! Or, watch this gorgeous 2004 production from Florence, by using this YouTube link:
Then, join us on Zoom Thursday evening, October 23, at 8:00 pm CST as we discuss this beautiful bel canto work. Whether you show up in your fanciest opera attire or your coziest PJs, you’ll be swept away by Bellini’s soaring melodies and Amina’s heart-stopping finale on the mill bridge. Opera has never been this fun—or this comfy!
Suggested sips: Aperol Spritz or hot cocoa with a Baileys twist.
Great Lakes Region (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Ontario, Wisconsin)
(Illinois)
WHEN: October 19, 2025, 3:00 PM CST
WHAT: Chicago Opera Theater presents SHAKESPEARE SINGS.
While Salieri and Defranceschi were early adaptors of Shakespeare’s plays into operas, the Bard’s works were frequently adapted for the opera stage in the 19th century and continue to be a source of inspiration for opera writers to this day.
Shakespeare Sings will take audiences on an unforgettable journey through the passion, comedy, tragedy, and romance inspired by the lasting genius of Shakespeare. Featuring a rich tapestry of arias and scenes from operas inspired by the Bard’s plays, the concert will showcase both beloved masterpieces and hidden gems from the operatic repertoire that have never been performed in Chicago before, including works by Purcell, Rossini, Nicolai, Thomas, Berlioz, Gounod, Verdi, Hahn, Vaughn Williams, Britten, Barber, Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Hoiby, Adès and more. Yasuko Oura returns to COT as Music Director and Pianist.
WHERE: Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
HOW: Order tickets online https://www.chicagooperatheater.org/shakespeare-sings
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(Ohio)
WHEN: October 24, 2025, 7:00 PM EST
WHAT: Toledo Opera presents “Opera Cabaret.”
WHERE: Toledo Opera Association, 425 Jefferson Ave #601, Toledo, OH 43604
HOW: Visit Toledo Opera’s website for more information https://www.toledoopera.org/resources/toledo-opera-events-calendar/
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Gulf/Southeast (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina)
Events TBA
Mid-Atlantic (Delaware, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina,
Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia)
(Tennessee)
WHEN: October 24, 2025, 7:30 PM EST; October 26, 2:30 PM EST
WHAT: Knoxville Opera presents Bizet’s Carmen.
Living life on her own terms in sultry Seville, the drama starts when Carmen catches the eye of the soldier, Don José, and desire quickly turns into obsession. Add in the swagger of star bullfighter Escamillo, a touch of jealousy, and one of the most iconic scores in opera history.
As irresistible as its heroine, Bizet’s Carmen is a masterpiece of operatic drama and unforgettable music—including the iconic Habanera and Toreador Song. Join us at the Tennessee Theatre for this classic tale of passion, freedom, and fatal consequences.
Sung in French with projected English Translations.
WHERE: 604 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902
HOW: Tickets start at just $35. Order tickets online here https://knoxvilleopera.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/
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(Tennessee)
WHEN: Saturday, October 25, 2025, 7:00 PM CST (doors open at 6:00 PM)
WHAT: Opera Nashville presents “Opera Jukebox Live.”
For the first time ever, Nashville Opera presents an entirely new kind of event: Opera Jukebox Live. This fresh, one-night-only experience breaks the mold.
Step into an intimate cabaret-style setting where artists from across genres, from opera and Broadway to country and pop, come together for a night shaped by your requests. No program. No script. Just incredible talent, unforgettable voices, and a little bit of daring spontaneity. Think of it as a musical wish list where your bids help set the playlist.
Proceeds support Nashville Opera’s world-class productions, fuel the artists who bring them to life, and keep great music thriving in Music City.
WHERE: Noah Liff Opera Center, 3622 Redmon St, Nashville, TN
HOW: Order Tickets online https://www.nashvilleopera.org/jukeboxlive
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North Central (Iowa, Manitoba, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Saskatchewan)
(Nebraska)
WHEN: October 24, 2025, 5:30 PM CST
WHAT: The Omaha Opera Guild presents “Opening Night Overture | The Barber of Seville.”
The Opera Omaha Guild cordially invites you to celebrate the opening night of The Barber of Seville with dinner beforehand.
Opening Night Overture, hosted by the Opera Omaha Guild, is a celebratory dinner featuring social time, a delicious meal, and dessert, just a short walk from the Orpheum Theater on Opera Omaha’s opening night. The Barber of Seville’s Opening Night Overture will feature an artist from the creative team. The artist will share some behind-the-scenes insights on the performance that evening.
WHERE: Hotel Deco, 1504 Harney Street Omaha, NE 68102
HOW: Tickets are $75 per person and include a meal, dessert, and table wine, with a cash bar also available. Advanced registration is required. To avoid the online credit card fees, you may contact Rebecca Ihnen at rihnen@operaomaha.org directly to make your reservation.
Or, Click Here to Order Tickets online
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(Nebraska)
WHEN: October 24, 2025, 7:30 PM CST; October 26, 2:00 PM CST
WHAT: Opera Omaha presents Rossini’s The Barber of Seville.
Escape on a wild ride through the streets of Seville, where schemes unfurl, passions flare, and chaos occasionally reigns. Figaro, the mischievous barber, is at the center of it all, pulling strings and outwitting anyone who thwarts his plans to help Count Almaviva win Rosina’s heart. From fiery verbal duels to hilarious deceptions, The Barber of Seville is a spirited romp starring Rossini’s lively score and iconic arias.
Internationally acclaimed director Stephen Lawless leads Opera Omaha favorite Alexander Birch Elliott (Eugene Onegin, Così fan tutte) as Figaro, celebrated mezzo-soprano Daniela Mack (Ainadamar, Metropolitan Opera) in her Opera Omaha debut as Rosina, and rising star Minghao Liu as Count Almaviva.
WHERE: Orpheum Theater, 409 S 16th St, Omaha, NE 68102
HOW: Click Here to Order Tickets online
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Northeast (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Nova Scotia, Pennsylvania, Quebec, Vermont)
(New York)
WHEN: October 25, 2025, 3:00 PM EST
WHAT: Celebrate World Opera Day with the Erwin H. Johnson Memorial Fund, Inc. for Opera with “Opera With and Without Words.”
Come Celebrate World Opera Day with the Erwin H. Johnson Memorial Fund, Inc. for Opera and some of Buffalo’s finest musicians. Enjoy lush melodies, beloved arias, fantasias, duets, and trios, written by the masters Puccini, Mozart, Saint-Saëns, Massenet and more.
Featuring Katie Riederer, soprano; Michael Serio, piano; and Shannon Reilly, violin.
An afternoon not to be missed!
WHERE: WNED Soundstage, 140 Lower Terrace, Buffalo, NY 14202
HOW: Concert is free but requires pre-registration (Pre-registration begins September 29) through https://www.btpm.org/events
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Northwest (Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming)
Events TBA
South Central (Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas)
(Texas)
WHEN: October 24-November 15, 2025
WHAT: Houston Grand Opera presents the Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess
It’s been 50 years since HGO first presented the Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, restoring the “folk opera” to its creators’ full original vision in a landmark production that earned HGO both a Tony and a Grammy. Now, audiences have the chance to again experience the cherished American classic that set HGO on its path as a trailblazer, presented in an acclaimed production from director Francesca Zambello.
Set in the Jim Crow South, in the fictional Charleston slum of Catfish Row, the opera shares the story of Porgy, a disabled beggar, and Bess, a woman struggling with addiction, who fall in love. With a moving score that seamlessly blends jazz, spirituals, blues, and classical music into timeless songs like “Summertime” and “Bess, You Is My Woman Now,” Porgy and Bess offers an unforgettable portrayal of resilience, community, love, and hope against all odds. HGO’s production features a cast of opera giants, led by bass-baritone Michael Sumuel as Porgy and soprano Angel Blue as Bess.
Internationally acclaimed conductor James Gaffigan takes the podium, with Richard Bado conducting the Nov. 11, 13, and 15 performances.
WHERE: Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas Ave., Houston, TX
HOW: Order Tickets online https://www.houstongrandopera.org/on-stage/porgy-and-bess
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(Texas)
WHEN: October 24, 2025, 7:00 PM CST
WHAT: Houston Grand Opera presents “2025 Opening Night: Porgy and Bess.”
It’s been 50 years since HGO first presented the Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, restoring the “folk opera” to its creators’ full original vision in a landmark production that earned HGO both a Tony and a Grammy. Now, audiences have the chance to again experience the cherished American classic that set HGO on its path as a trailblazer, presented in an acclaimed production from director Francesca Zambello.
Immediately following the performance, we will celebrate this special Opening Night with a dinner party on the Wortham’s Ray C. Fish Plaza chaired by Dina Alsowayel and Tony Chase.
WHERE: Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas Ave, Houston, TX
HOW: Reserve Tickets online https://www.houstongrandopera.org/events/opening-night
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Southwest (Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah)
Events TBA
Sept. 27-October 4 Events October 5-11 Events October 12-18 Events
October 26-November 2 Events